SPRING SHOW IS FORECAST TO WARM UP THE SOUTH EAST - 03/05/2010

With snow behind us and maybe more to come the Spring Garden & Leisure Show promises a welcome relief from the wintry landscape. According to US newspaper columnist Doug Larson “Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush” so it’s in the air already – look out for it!

The Society is known to embrace the natural rhythms of the seasons through its shows. Being the first of the year The Spring Garden & Leisure Show unleashes its programme on Sunday 2 and Monday 3 May. An enduringly popular event, it offers a flourish of family entertainment with a focus on the green fingered.

This horticultural vibe offers the perfect opportunity to encourage a budding interest or expand a blooming passion in all gardens, great and small.

Visitors can shake off their winter blues and stock up on gorgeous spring bedding plants and long-lasting shrubs. While an abundance of trade stands offer everything you need to turn garden chores into a pleasure and make your outdoor space as stylish and functional as the indoors. From mowers, chippers and barbeques to loungers, trugs and gardeners’ tools there’s something for everyone at every level of expertise.

And for anyone who has ever asked ‘how does your garden grow?’ the expert panel of the English Garden Road Show will be back by popular demand. Bugged by bugs or thwarted by thorns? The team will be able to resolve those unanswered questions and share their take on inspirational gardening and tales of success.

The food hall will be flooded with delicious aromas and tempting tasters where the public get a rare chance to meet the producers that grow and make our wonderful selection of British food. This connection with what we eat and drink promotes a real sense of ownership in our local food supply and inspires us all to have a go with the vegetable patch!

If that wasn’t enough the show offers a medley of musical entertainment over the two days. The Petworth Silver Band, a 32 piece ensemble will make its debut at the Show on Sunday with rousing tunes to keep everyone alert. While the Kausary Peruvian band with the pulsating sights and sounds of South America and The Youth Steel Band lend a sunny flavour to the proceedings.

And let’s not forget the ever-popular and hugely entertaining Open Dog Show and the captivating llamas and alpacas area – both crowd pleasers with a capital P.

The show offers the best of Sussex.

Sunday 2 & Monday 3 May
Gates open from 9am to 5pm
Admission prices: adult £7: child £3: senior citizens/students £5: family ticket £17:
Reduced price advanced tickets available on the website – for details: www.springgardenshow.co.uk